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Runners Knee
AKA: Jumpers knee, chondromalasia, dancers knee
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Pain (dull ache) or tightness any where around the knee area
- Swelling and stiffness
- May not be able to isolate a specific point of pain
DEFINITION AND ANATOMY
- Primarily referred to the knee cap (patella) but can be anywhere around the knee
- The knee is supported primarily by the quadriceps muscles that cover the upper leg and develop a ligamentous network of tissue that surrounds the knee cap, with a single but thick tendon called the patello-femoral tendon running from the bottom of the patella to the upper lower leg. If the pain is localized over this tendon it is commonly referred to as Patellar tendonitis
- The patella rest in a groove in the lower upper leg (femoral groove) and tracks up and down that groove as the knee is flexed and extended
- If due to poor biomechanics or muscle imbalances the patella will be pulled to the side causing irritation of the backside of the knee cap (patella) This is know as Chrondromalacia Patella.
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
- If not due to a specific injury to the knee, then the primary cause is altered spinal biomechanics. Primarily hyperpronation of the foot or feet.
- As the foot excessively rolls inward (hyperpronation) it causes the lower leg to medially rotate inward placing stress on the knee
- Tight and imbalanced quadriceps musculature usually the lateral
- Training errors of excessive running up and down hills as well as on crowned surfaces, coming off an injury to soon or simply to fast to soon
- Improper fitting shoes that do not allow the foot to function properly (see shoes) by not supporting the arches and allowing excessive movement (hyperpronation)
- Biomechanical abnormalities of the spine, pelvis, leg length abnormalities, joint laxity, all resulting in excessive stresses. See Gait Cycle.
TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS
- Ice to control pain and reduce inflammation and swelling
- Stretching of both the quadriceps and hamstring musculature
- Rest and decrease activities that reproduce the pain
- Wearing appropriate shoes that match foot structure to allow proper movement and support of the foots arches
- If contributing factors are due to hyperpronation (rolling inward or flat feet) of the feet causing biomechanical alterations the custom made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers (orthotics) should be considered to support the arches of the foot and control excessive movement
- Get an analysis of your gait cycle (running or walking form) by a biomechanical specialist. See How We Can Help
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